3rd IHRA race moved to Ohio (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Billy
- Start date
You have to ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE! No one seems to do this anymore. You can't expect to be lazy and rely on "social media" to somehow get the word out about your races. It won't work. NHRA has a hard enough time getting people to their races much of the time, for the same reason, and NHRA has been around for quite a while, as we know. No one but us has heard of the "new" IHRA. If they want the general public - or even drag racing fans who would attend an NHRA race - to give them a try, they have got to reach out. This IHRA guy supposedly has so much money, why doesn't he buy some billboard or radio ads for a month prior to each of his races? We may forget how much advertising there was for drag races back in the "good old days". Those big crowds in the 1960's and 1970's didn't materialize on their own. The fans had to read and hear about all those races in the drag rags, newspapers, and am radio.
ironpony
Nitro Member
You have to remember that this event was not even supposed to be here, it was supposed to be in Alabama. All the advertisement was done for Alabama and then switched to Columbus because of incidents at the track in Alabama. So I feel there was a good turnout on Saturday considering this. Also seeing the crowd I am going to say the Triple Crown will be a big event.
That's even more reason to advertise. This race was moved some weeks before. He had plenty of time to buy local radio spots and get the word out. It's best to do that within a week or two of an event anyway.
This guy may be good at making lots of money. And then taking that money and buying a lot of drag strips. It doesn't mean he knows anything about marketing. And if so, he should know enough that he needs to hire someone who is very good at marketing auto racing events.
Regarding his "Triple Crown" - does anyone except us, and the racers - know about that series? It is a catchy name, and the big money (for drag racing anyway) should make for a big media blitz for those 3 races. We'll see if it happens, but I'm not holding my breath.
It's a shit show, only diehards like us will like it. The show takes entirely too long, they are not in the business of putting on a show that the casual fan will like. Maple Grove will be a telling sign, those fans are some of the most dedicated fans in racing. If they don't show up there, they are in trouble. When there's more fans on the starting line than in the stands, that's a problem.
Chili
Nitro Member
Maple Grove should have a great crowd. I’m positive it will be their largest attended event all year. It is at an established venue with an established fan base. They are running 1000’ and not 1/8. They have a few NHRA stars coming. They have sold out MG in the past so if it isn’t 60-75 percent full, then I will call it disappointing.
However there is many reasons why this event might not be a success. They scheduled it on a holiday weekend. While that could help some, a lot of people have other things going on that weekend. It doesn’t have all the NHRA stars. People are attracted to the circus show. The current cost of travel. If someone planned on driving 300 miles each way, that could affect their decision. NHRA’s fan base travels well. I would guess that 25%or more of fans at a NHRA national event travel far enough away to need hotel rooms. Not sure if a two day event can draw the same crowd.
I do believe the IHRA has to be disappointed with the lack of NHRA touring teams showing up. They created a big money race to lure them over and only three of them are currently on the list. Capps, Gordon and Reed. Nice to see some part timers joining in (Lee, Wurtzel and Tatum). Capps isn’t even guaranteeing he would run race 2 if they win MG.
You obviously didn’t watch or attend this weekend. For all the circumstances, I think the crowd was pretty good. Moved the race, not a good weather forecast leading up, definite rain delays, fuel prices, 1/8-mile haters, etc. We also had a lot of families in attendance with younger kids. That’s what we need to have the sport grow. We were also able to get the show in after a couple hour rain delay with no major issues. It was a really good event.
Hmmm...annnnd a show that NHRA puts on is much shorter? What is the perfect amount of time a show should be? Asking for a friend.
Chili
Nitro Member
First round nitro to finals of nitro.
At Columbus: IHRA 6 hrs 3 mins
At Valdosta: NHRA 6 hrs 14 mins
NHRA runs 4 rounds, IHRA 3 rounds.
IMO, IHRA needs to tighten up their three rounds of nitro racing. As a fan of the sport, I love watching all the other fast classes. The casual fan seems to care only about nitro. They could give the teams 90 minutes between rounds and be done in a four hour window. They have the opportunity to do something NHRA cannot do and they don’t do it. First round at 5pm, 2nd round at 7pm and finals at 9pm. The customer could show up at 4:30. and be exiting the facility at 9:15. Not much different than a NFL game or a MLB game.
These lower funded teams can’t do a 90 minute turnaround
z28
Nitro Member
you would think that the losing teams from E1 could help the winners out to make a 90 minute turnaround.
Chili
Nitro Member
On the schedule you posted in this thread on page 3 showed 2nd round at 3:30 and finals at 5. Since it was scheduled that way I figured they could turn them around in 90 minutes.
ironpony
Nitro Member
For only being in their second season I would have to say they are doing well. Are they the NHRA ?? no. As far as revenue there are multiple revenue streams to balance the ledger, I am sure DC has a plan as you do not get to where he is winging it. I would say he has a 5-10 year turn around plan for this to be successful. First this was a relocated event so you have people that already have plans, have not budgeted finances to attend especially if traveling any distance and needing lodging. Second this was not a "big show" event for them, this IMO was a local venue more like a divisional NHRA race which does not draw many spectators.
IHRA is running nitro at most events but do not confuse that with big events they are supplying a place for smaller nitro teams to race. The Triple crown will be a little more telling but it is still going to take a few years to get there. I could care less if any NHRA teams show up for the Triple, let the smaller guys win the money and maybe they will be the next big team growing IHRA along the way. how many IHRA champions now run NHRA ?? You have to start somewhere, which brings up another topic. How many kids have been turned off by the racers making fun of their 13 second cars ?? why would you come back after racers made fun of your slow car ?? But that is a whole other subject.
In closing drag racing is dying a slow death as not many are coming into the sport, The big show stuff is cost prohibitive to 99%. Instead of being on here complaining why not go out and try to support a sport you supposedly love. One man has stepped up and is spending a lot of his money to try and revive a series which could be a feeder or be the next big show itself. You are complaining about attendance but where were you ?? certainly not at the event.
IHRA is running nitro at most events but do not confuse that with big events they are supplying a place for smaller nitro teams to race. The Triple crown will be a little more telling but it is still going to take a few years to get there. I could care less if any NHRA teams show up for the Triple, let the smaller guys win the money and maybe they will be the next big team growing IHRA along the way. how many IHRA champions now run NHRA ?? You have to start somewhere, which brings up another topic. How many kids have been turned off by the racers making fun of their 13 second cars ?? why would you come back after racers made fun of your slow car ?? But that is a whole other subject.
In closing drag racing is dying a slow death as not many are coming into the sport, The big show stuff is cost prohibitive to 99%. Instead of being on here complaining why not go out and try to support a sport you supposedly love. One man has stepped up and is spending a lot of his money to try and revive a series which could be a feeder or be the next big show itself. You are complaining about attendance but where were you ?? certainly not at the event.
They do at nhra *when* they go rounds.
I actually did watch on YouTube using the fast forward option to cut out the downtime.
Chili
Nitro Member
I love having a race during the NHRA off weekends.
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